Honda Element 2 front end mods - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

hans2vt · 07-05-2008, 10:02 PM

Well, nothing fancy - grill block and I blocked off 2 gaping big recessed areas where fog lights are supposed to go.

I used vinyl clear stuff from walmart $0.84
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for the upper grill I took off a few plastic grommets under the hood and slipped the vinyl under folded it over so it aimed out the front, but the grommets back on and shut the hood. Then I used clear silicon to create a seal around.
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then for the fog light holes, same vinyl and clear silicon.
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I'll have no idea if this does a darn thing, but I'm going on a road trip next week, and I'll check my milage generally. previously with no modified driving style I was getting 24mpg going 75mph.

With driving 65 and with these 2 items, maybe 28 or 30? we'll see. I'll also have a bike on the roof, so that will be a big negative effect.

I really want the 6th gear! the element spins over 3000 at 60mph. Dumb!

hans2vt · 07-05-2008, 10:06 PM

While I was at it I put some black duck tape on the inlet on the VW. who knows that that will do.
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I already get 40-45mph when I drive the Beetle to work 10 miles on back roads, just from hypermiling basics like DWB and pulse and glide. (I don't do Engine off coast).

aerohead · 07-24-2008, 05:58 PM

Work looks nice and clean! Let us know how it turns out at the pump.I have a friend with an Element,and she'll be eager to hear your results.Good luck!

hans2vt · 07-28-2008, 11:34 PM

well, seems I got 30mpg on a trip from VT to NYC. I also modified my driving with neutral coasting, and driving 65 or slower, and higher tire prewsue

so who knows if this helped or how much. wish it was more scientific.

bryn · 07-28-2008, 11:55 PM

next time if you can keep the bike on the back, or better yet inside. that would help alot, but you knew that allready

hans2vt · 07-29-2008, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryn

next time if you can keep the bike on the back, or better yet inside. that would help alot, but you knew that allready

You're right! I actually ended up not taking my bike in part because I knew it would mess up my experiment.

I'm still happy with 30mpg on a 600 mile trip with some a/c running. Better than the typical 24 when I set cruise on 75.

Thanks for the comment